Sunday, 1 December 2013

Why You should Go On A Great 3 Day Adventure in Taos, New Mexico....

Taos, where the high desert meets the Southern Rockies is a place of epic contrasts.

To the northeast, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains tower over Taos Valley at 13,000 feet. To the west, the Rio Grande Gorge plunges 800 feet down into the canyon. As remote and rugged as this region can feel, humans have lived in Taos Pueblo on the northern edge of town for nearly a millennium, making it the oldest continuously inhabited dwelling in North America.

“Taos is steeped in traditional culture and history, and that element is an integral part of every outdoor adventure.”

What To Do:

Hike: The Williams Lake Trail winds from the Taos Ski Valley Resort through spruce and fir forests for two miles before reaching picture-perfect Williams Lake at 11,101 feet. For more, continue up the trail to Wheeler Peak - the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Look out for bighorn sheep and marmots.

Ride: Locals and visitors alike claim that South Boundary Trail is the best cross-country mountain biking trail in all of New Mexico. The 22-mile point-to-point is mostly single track through mountain meadows and aspen and pine forests, with a few tough (but short) climbs.

Climb: The Rio Grande Gorge - vertical basalt walls and cliffs for climbers of all levels. John’s Wall has easy access and about 20 different routes, and Miner’s Crag has a number of both sport and trad routes.

Ski: Taos Ski Valley Resort offers truly world-class skiing and snowboarding, without the lift lines. For the advanced, climb the ridge to Kachina Peak or the West Basin, and ski/board some of the best powder and most challenging terrain anywhere.

Paddle: For Class III and IV white-water, run the famous Taos Box in the Rio Grande Gorge. For a mellower ride, run the Pilar Racecourse. For a multiday scenic adventure in Georgia O’Keefe country, float the Rio Chama. Plenty of opportunities to get the SUP out and enjoy mellow rides or white-water runs.

Locals’ favourite adventure: The annual Pow Wow in July - a gathering of native nations - or any of the traditional dances or cultural ceremonies that are open to the public are a whole different kind of adventure.

Something visitors don't do but should: Tsankawi at Bandelier National Monument is seldom visited, despite featuring ancient footpaths to Pueblo ruins and petroglyphs.

Where to eat: After a mountain adventure, get a green chile cheeseburger at the Stray Dog Cantina, or fondue at the Bavarian Lodge & Restaurant. In town, Antonio’s makes a killer chile relleno en nogada.

Where to imbibe: The Taos Mesa Brewing has great beer and live music in a scenic desert backdrop. What more could you want?

Where to stay (budget): La Doña Luz Inn, a bed and breakfast just steps from the old plaza, or for families with children, the Old Taos Guesthouse Bed & Breakfast. For camping, Orilla Verde or Wild Rivers Recreation Areas.

Where to stay (splurge): The Historic Taos Inn, located in the heart of town and known as the "living room of Taos." Or the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, located 50 minutes west of town.